If you’re a musician looking for an excellent acoustic bass guitar, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post will discuss some of the best acoustic bass guitars on the market today. We’ll talk about what makes these guitars so great, and we’ll also give you some tips on choosing the right acoustic bass guitar for your needs. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, read on for the best acoustic bass guitar reviews!
What is an Acoustic Bass Guitar?
An acoustic bass guitar is a type of acoustic guitar that is typically larger than a standard acoustic guitar. It has four strings and is tuned like a standard bass guitar. Acoustic bass guitars are popular among beginner and intermediate musicians because they are relatively easy to learn how to play. They also produce a rich, deep sound that can add depth to your music. There are many different acoustic bass guitars available on the market, so be sure to do your research before purchasing one. You want to make sure you select the model that best suits your needs and playing style.
Types of Acoustic Bass Guitars
There are three main acoustic bass guitars: upright basses, semi-acoustic basses, and electric bass guitars.
Upright basses are the traditional type of acoustic bass guitar. They have a large, curved body and typically require two people to play them. Semi-acoustic basses are similar in size to standard acoustic guitars, and they feature a hollow body that helps produce a richer sound. Electric bass guitars are smaller than other acoustic bass guitars, and they rely on electricity to create their sound.
Electric vs. Acoustic Bass Guitars
The main difference between electric and acoustic bass guitars is how they create their sound. Acoustic bass guitars use strings to vibrate against the instrument’s wood, which creates sound waves that are amplified by the air inside the guitar’s body. Electric bass guitars use pickups to convert the string vibrations into electrical signals, then amplified by an amplifier.
Why would you want an Acoustic Bass Guitar?
Well, first off, they are great for unplugged gigs and sessions. An acoustic bass does the job nicely if you need to lay down a quick groove or provide some tasty bottom end for a singer-songwriter. But an acoustic bass can also be a good choice if you play in a band that doesn’t want (or need) a full-time bass player.
So there are many reasons to choose an acoustic bass over an electric one. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
The best reason to choose an acoustic bass guitar is the sound. They have a vibrant, deep sound that is perfect for any style of music. Acoustic basses also have a much more natural tone than an electric bass, often sounding harsh and artificial.
Another great reason to choose an acoustic bass is that they are effortless to play. They have a shorter scale length than electric basses, so the strings are closer together, and there is less tension on your fingers. This makes it much easier to learn how to play bass, and you will be able to play faster and more accurately.
What to look for when choosing an acoustic bass guitar
There are a few things to consider when choosing an acoustic bass guitar.
Size
The first is the size of the instrument. Acoustic bass guitars come in four sizes: full, three-quarter, half, and travel. The size of the guitar will affect the tone of the instrument. A larger guitar will have a fuller sound, while a smaller guitar will have a more subdued sound.
Scale length
The second thing to consider is the scale length. The distance is usually measured between the nut and the bridge, known as scale length. A longer scale will create a richer tone, while a shorter length will create a brighter tone. Short-scale basses are 30 inches or less, while long-scale basses are over 30 inches.
If you are looking affordable short scale basses than check out this best short scale bass under $500, you will be amazed.
Do you know what the difference is between short scale and long scale bass guitars?
Wood
The next thing to consider is the wood used to make the guitar. Different types of wood will give the guitar a different tone. For example, a guitar made of mahogany will have a warmer sound, while a guitar made of maple will have a brighter sound.
String
Finally, consider the string type when choosing an acoustic bass guitar. There are two types of strings: steel and gut. Steel strings will give the guitar a brighter sound, while gut strings will give the guitar a warmer sound.
Keep these things in mind when choosing an acoustic bass guitar, and you’re sure to find the perfect instrument for your needs.
Here are six of our favorite acoustic bass guitars, perfect for various budgets and styles.
1) Fender FA-450CE
Fender FA-450CE is an acoustic bass guitar perfect for those looking for their first instrument or a good upgrade. It has a laminated spruce top and mahogany back and sides, which gives it a great sound. It also has an onboard preamp with a tuner, so you can always sound your best. The neck is slim and easy to play, making it an excellent choice for beginners or experienced players alike.
Specifications:
- Scalloped X bracing
- 20 frets
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Scale length: 34″ (86.36 cm)
- Nut width: 43 mm (Standard)
- Hardware: Chrome
- Machine heads: Fender Premium Die-cast
- Fishman Electronics
Overall, the Fender FA-450CE is a great acoustic bass guitar that sounds and plays great. Whether you’re just starting or are looking for an upgrade, this guitar is definitely worth considering.
2) Ibanez PCBE12MHOPN
Ibanez PCBE12MHOPN acoustic bass guitar from Ibanez is perfect for the beginner or intermediate player. It has a mahogany top, back, and sides, giving it a warm, mellow sound. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge provide a smooth playing experience and add to the guitar’s overall tone.
Key Features:
- Mahogany top, back, and sides
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
- Chrome die-cast tuners
Specifications:
- Scale length: 32.25″
- Width at the nut: 43mm
- Number of frets: 20
- Body depth: 80mm
- Bridge type: Rosewood pin bridge
- Neck type: Mahogany neck
- Body type: PCBE body
The Ibanez acoustic bass PCBE12MHOPN is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality acoustic bass guitar at an affordable price.
3) Fender Kingman (V2)
The Fender Kingman V2 is one of the best acoustic bass guitars on the market. It has a light string action, making it easier for those with small hands to play. The guitar has excellent intonation and can be used for various genres, including country, pop, and rock. The guitar has a great sound and is perfect for beginners and intermediate players.
The Kingman V2 is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, high-quality acoustic bass guitar. It has a Nato body and a spruce top, giving it a bright, articulate sound. The guitar is also fitted with an onboard preamp which allows you to plug it into an amplifier. The preamp has a three-band EQ which gives you the ability to shape your sound. The Kingman guitar also comes with a gig bag, making it easy to transport.
Specifications:
- Body: Nato
- Top: Spruce
- Finish: Gloss Urethane
- Pickup: Piezo
- EQ: Onboard Preamp with three-band EQ
- Scale Length: 34″ (86.36cm)
- Strings: Fender Dura-Tone 80/20 Bronze (.045-.105 Gauges)
- Gig Bag Included
Overall, the Fender Kingman V2 is an excellent choice for any musician. It has a versatile sound that can be used for various genres, and it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced players. Thanks to its lightweight design, the Kingman V2 is also great for travel.
4) Dean EAB
Dean EAB has a great design that will surely appeal to many bassists out there. The guitar has a classic look to it and it is definitely a beauty to behold. Thanks to the mahogany body, it also has a great feel to it. The sound this guitar produces is simply unique.
The guitar also comes with a built-in preamp, which is a plus. Dean EAB allows you to control the tone and volume of the guitar, making it perfect for live performances. The preamp also allows you to connect the guitar to an amplifier, making it louder and fuller sounding.
Specification:
- Body: Mahogany
- Top: Spruce
- Finish: Natural Gloss
- Neck Material: Maple
- Scale Length: 34″
- Neck Profile: C
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Number of Frets: 20
- Inlays: Pearl Dot
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Tuners: Die-Cast
- Electronics: Fishman Isys III System with Active EQ and Built-In Tuner
Overall, the Dean EAB is a great choice for any bassist, whether you are a beginner or a pro.
5) Oscar Schmidt OB100
The Oscar Schmidt OB100 has a really lovely warm tone that is perfect for fingerstyle playing. The neck is comfortable to play with, and the action is excellent. It also has a built-in tuner, which is handy. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a lot of bass response, so it’s not ideal for playing with a band. Overall, the Oscar Schmidt OB100 is a great bass for the money and would be perfect for a beginner or intermediate player.
Specifications:
- Body Material: Spruce
- Neck Material: Maple
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Number of Frets: 20
- Scale Length: 34″
- Controls: Volume, Bass, Treble
- Tuners: Die-cast
- String Spacing: 18mm
- Bridge Type: Rosewood Bridge
- Hardware: Chrome
I would highly recommend this bass to anyone looking for a great sounding and playing acoustic-electric bass.
6) Fender CB-60SCE
The Fender CB-60SCE is one of the best acoustic bass guitars on the market. The basic concert body style is perfect for various musical genres, and the built-in Fishman preamp system gives you incredible tone and volume control. Sound is essential for any acoustic bass guitar, and the CB-60SCE definitely delivers.
The best part of this guitar is its price. It’s very affordable, especially for a Fender. If you’re looking for a great acoustic bass that won’t break the bank, the CB-60SCE is an excellent option.
Specification:
- Body: Laminated Spruce Top, Mahogany Back and Sides
- Neck: Nato, “C” Shape
- Neck Finish: Gloss Urethane
- Scale Length: 34″ (864 mm)
- Fingerboard: Rosewood, 20 Frets
- Position Inlays: Dots
- Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
- Bridge: Rosewood
- Tuning Machines: Die-Cast, Nickel
Conclusion:
Overall, there are a lot of great acoustic bass guitars on the market. It really depends on your budget and what you’re looking for in a guitar. If you’re a beginner, I would recommend something like the Fender CB-60SCE or the Oscar Schmidt OB100. If you’re an experienced player, I recommend the Dean EAB or the Kingman V2. Whichever guitar you choose, you’re sure to be happy with your purchase.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this helped! Happy playing!
PS: If you’re looking for a great acoustic guitar to go with your new acoustic bass, be sure to check out my blog post on the best acoustic guitars under $1000. You won’t be disappointed!
